Synth Geekery 314
In episode 314 we talked about synths, eurorack, sequencers, drum machines, samplers, effects and software! Plus all the usual segments! Funny Side, News from the Geekery, Price Watch, Name that Synth …
Show contents:
- About
- Guests
- Video replay
- Funny Side
- News from The Geekery
- Price Watch
- Name that Synth
- Saturday Sonority
About the Synth Geekery Show
Synth Geekery is a weekly podcast/live stream (YouTube) show about everything synthesizers, drum machines, samplers, sequencers, eurorack and music technology. We take the “one of the masses” viewpoint, where we are also users of gear just like you (read: we’re not influenced by commercial product placement).
The show relies on the generous contributions of the synth community. You can contribute in many ways including supporting us via our YouTube Channel Membership or Patreon. We also have regular and special video guests: if you would like to take part in future shows – please contact me via email on the about page here.
Your Host
Ranzee (Ranz Adamson) is your show host. He’s based in Perth, Western Australia and has been a hobbyist musician and technologist for most of his life. More information can be found about him here.
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/ranzee
BandCamp: https://ranzee.bandcamp.com
Guests
This week’s video guests are:
Daren T. Housse
Bandcamp Link: https://darenthousse.bandcamp.com/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLPHxpZgFKKE1wkG9ndto3A
Daren resides in the UK and is one of the first video guests on the show since 2019. He has a large amount of tracks on his youtube channel plus a great album collection over on BandCamp.
SynthAddict
Andy is a musician and technologist from the bay area in California. He has an amazing collection of music tech gadgets and a large knowledge of synthesizers.
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUtABvP7q29uvLKi73zIjFQ
Ian J. Cole
Ian is a musician, composer, sound designer and producer currently producing solo ambient electronic music. He also runs Sinners Music which is a Record Company and Online Music Retailer in East Yorkshire, England
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/IanJCole
Chris – Maikshifter
Chris is a musician and technologist from Perth, Western Australia. He’s always had a love for creating and tinkering with music electronics and has recently embarked on a new journey creating eurorack modules.
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Maikshifter
Video replay
Funny Side
The funny side segment is a collection of memes that are somewhat relevant to the synth geekery community. Some of these images are taken from Facebook, Instagram and other social media sources. Please respect the creators. Hope you enjoy this week’s selection:
News
Akai MPC Live III Leaks
The new MPC Live III is a flexible and expressive standalone music production center designed for beatmakers, producers, and live performers to bring their creative ideas to life. The system’s intuitive and comprehensive sampling, sequencing, and effects make it an indispensable tool for modern music creation with no DAW or computer required.
Features
- Standalone hardware with MPC3 OS (No computer required)
- 8 Core processor (Gen 2) – 4 x the power of MPC Live II
- 8 GB onboard RAM / 128 GB storage
- 16 full-size RGB MPCe expressive pads with new 3D sensing technology
- Onboard stereo studio monitors
- Built-in high-quality studio mic for field recording, vocal takes, and quick sampling
- Internal rechargeable lithium-ion battery
- 2 x combo inputs with mic preamps
- 16 RGB performance buttons for step sequencing / automation / effects control
- Assignable touch strip controller
- Vibrant 7” touch display
- USB-C port for computer connectivity (ISO and Android apps, seamless smart device audio sampling, and high-speed transfer of up to 24 audio channels in/out of your DAW)
- 8 CV / Gate outputs
- WiFi / Bluetooth (Ableton Link)
Specifications
- Power: External PSU (adapter), center positive, 19.0 V 3.42A, input voltage: 100-240V (switching adapter) VAC
- Product Size (HxWxD): 2.64” x 17.16” x 10.08”/ 6.71cm x 43.59cm x 25.60cm
- Product Weight: 8.6lbs / 3.9kg
Product information via the FCC:
Last week we showed a pic of a box:
I’m thinking this might be close to being released to the public!
Sequential Fourm
The Sequential Fourm is a compact, four-voice analog polyphonic synthesizer with full analog signal path and a custom polyphonic aftertouch keybed. It is positioned by Sequential as their most affordable synthesizer to date and the first Sequential instrument in about 40 years to restore polyphonic aftertouch.
It draws architectural inspiration from the Prophet-5 heritage, and combines that with a hands-on interface (knob-per-function and top-panel modulation matrix) for expressive performance and sound design.
Key Features & Specifications
Here is a consolidated list of features and specs of the Fourm:
Sound Engine & Oscillators / Filter / Modulation
- 100 % analog signal path (no DSP in the audio path)
- 4 polyphonic voices
- Two analog oscillators per voice:
- Each oscillator supports multiple waveforms (simultaneously selectable)
- Oscillator B can also be used in a low-frequency mode (i.e. functioning as an LFO)
- Classic sync mode (Prophet-style) is supported
- Pulse width modulation (PWM) available on square waves
- 4-pole resonant low-pass filter (based on Prophet-5 revisions) with bass compensation (to maintain low-end clarity even at high resonance)
- The filter can self-oscillate via resonance and includes keyboard tracking options (quarter, half, full)
- Feedback/drive circuit for adding edge/grit to the signal path
- Noise generation (white, pink, violet) included
- Envelopes: Two 4-stage ADSR envelopes — one for filter, one for amplitude
- LFO: One global LFO with multiple wave shapes (sine, saw, reverse saw, square, sample & hold, noise, DC) and can be synced to tempo
- Modulation architecture:
- Top-panel modulation matrix (a la Pro-One) with button-based routing (no deep menu navigation)
- Two modulation buses with multiple sources/destinations, combinable routing
- Polyphonic aftertouch destinations: oscillator A freq, oscillator B freq, filter cutoff, amplitude, LFO frequency, LFO amount — up to six destinations simultaneously selectable
- Aftertouch matrix / routing available top-panely
- Glide / portamento features (including different glide modes)
- Unison (monophonic) mode: you can stack voices (from 1 to all 4) plus chord memory
- Vintage mode: adds voice-to-voice component variation to simulate vintage hardware behavior
Interface, Keyboard & Performance
- Tactive™ 37-note slim-keys keyboard, custom-built by Sequential, with polyphonic aftertouch and velocity sensitivity
- Pitch wheel (spring-loaded) with selectable bend range (±1 to ±12 semitones)
- Modulation wheel, routable via modulation routing
- OLED display for browsing presets, categories, and accessing deeper settings not directly on panel
- Knob-per-function layout on the front panel for immediate access to synthesis controls (oscillator, filter, envelopes, LFO, etc.)
Sequencer, Arpeggiator & Modulation Tools
- Arpeggiator with six modes, octave settings, repeat options, and with re-latching/repeat control
- Polyphonic step sequencer (up to 64 steps) with support for chords, rests, ties, and per-step glide (acid-style)
- The sequencer can act as a modulation source (i.e. modulating filter cutoff, oscillator, etc.)
- Modulation matrix sources include filter envelope, oscillator B, LFO, and aftertouch
- Destinations include oscillator frequencies, pulse widths, filter cutoff, amplitude, LFO freq, LFO amount
Hardware, Connectivity & Physical
- Steel chassis (robust, all-steel)
- Dimensions: 22.13″ × 9.88″ × 2.75″ (56.2 cm × 25.1 cm × 7.0 cm)
- Weight: ~ 8.76 lb (3.97 kg)
- Audio outputs:
- Main (¼″ mono output)
- Headphone output (¼″ TRS)
- MIDI: DIN MIDI In, Out, Thru and USB-C (bidirectional MIDI)
- Pedal / expression input (supports footswitch, expression pedal, triggers / gate)
- Power:
- 12 V DC, 1.2 A, center-positive (supply included)
- AC input supports 100 V to 240 V, 50/60 Hz
- Max power draw ~14 W
- Optional security lock (chassis lock) for institutional / retail settings
Presets, OS & Updates
- Factory and User memory:
- Two factory banks (F1, F2) and two user banks (U1, U2)
- Banks F2 and U2 are duplicates of a “basic programs” set of 128 programs (i.e. as shipped the factory/user presets are identical)
- Sequential plans to release a new set of factory sounds in October 2025 (free download)
- Operating System: The initial OS is version 1.0.0.2 (or “install this update”) for bug fixes on launch
- Documentation, user guide, and sound lists are available on Sequential’s website
Pricing
Sequential’s official (or typical dealer) pricing has been reported at:
| Currency | Price |
|---|---|
| USD | $999 |
| EUR | €949 |
| GBP | £799 (or £799.99) |
| AUD | $TBA |
Link: https://sequential.com/modern-analog/fourm/
Roland Tomorrow Returns – TR-1000
Get your TR-1000 here (affiliate link): https://clickfi.re/E3rQ7wKr
So … I’ve been waiting for this to emerge. Many people have contacted me and told me of a big upcoming Roland release this year. Quite differing stories as to what it would be were presented. However, the one that seemed more likely was a new drum or groovebox style product. Now the rumours are starting to come to light …
The Roland TR-1000 is emerging as the new flagship drum machine and sampling engine. It’s gray appearance brings back the Roland 90’s MC-303 and MC-505 heritage style.
The Sweetwater article talks about multiple hybrid engines including FM, PCM, ACB and VA styles with a nod to their iconic TR-808 and TR-909 products. They also mentioned over 2500 sounds available. Whilst this may sound a lot, it probably will quite easily be divided up into categories of drum hits and styles, percussions, and other synth samples.
Sweetwater published this in their flyer:
Then we see this on socials:
We can assume this is another “suck of the sav” from Roland re-hashing their already hashed product samples and sound libraries into a similar style interface. It becomes questionable as to where their TR-8S product compares, and what sets this apart. The rumoured $2000 USD price tag is also getting people showing annoyance on the socials.
More info: https://www.roland.com/tomorrowreturns/
Price expected to be somewhere $2K – 2.5K USD
UDO DMNO
The UDO DMNO is an 8-voice polyphonic, dual-engine, hybrid analog/digital synthesizer built for flexibility, expressivity, and performance.
- Features two independent hybrid synthesizer engines (DMNO 1 & DMNO 2), each with its own controls.
- Uses FPGA-powered digital “super wave” cores paired with an analog signal path.
- Includes a per-voice Dynamic Multi-Core Stereo Filter architecture, configurable in series, parallel, or stereo with multiple filter types.
- Offers 8 Play Modes defining how the two engines interact (split, layer, cycle, series, random, chaos, etc.).
- Connectivity includes USB 2-in / 2-out audio, MIDI, external audio input with preamp and envelope follower, gate detection, CV/Gate outputs, and stereo auxiliary outputs.
- Built-in DSP effects: delay, reverb, EQ, distortion, chorus.
- Onboard sequencer (64 steps), arpeggiator, and performance/patch memory storage.
- Uses a high-contrast electroluminescent glass vacuum fluorescent display (VFD) with dedicated rotary controls for minimal menu diving.
- Equipped with a 44-key FATAR keybed with aftertouch.
- Premium build quality with robust, no-compromise engineering.
Key Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Voices / Polyphony | 8-voice polyphonic (or 4 “super” voices in binaural mode) |
| Engines / Timbres | 2 independent hybrid synth engines (DMNO 1 & 2) |
| Play Modes | 8 selectable modes: Single, Dual, Split, One-Two, Cycle, Random, Chaos, Series |
| Oscillators | FPGA digital super-wave oscillator cores; multiple waveforms; alias-free |
| Filters | Dynamic Multi-Core stereo analog VCF per voice; series, parallel, stereo; multiple filter modes |
| Modulation | Multiple LFOs, envelopes (ENV1, ENV2, ENV3), cross modulation, modulation matrix |
| Effects | Delay, reverb, EQ, distortion, chorus (32-bit DSP) |
| Sequencer & Arpeggiator | 64-step sequencer; MIDI-syncable arpeggiator with smart hold & modes |
| Keyboard / Controllers | 44-key FATAR with aftertouch; pitch/mod bender; octave switch; portamento |
| Display & Interface | Electroluminescent VFD display with dedicated rotary knobs |
| Connectivity / I/O | MIDI (DIN & USB), USB 2-in/2-out audio, stereo audio in, stereo aux outs, 2 CV/Gate |
| Dimensions & Weight | 780 × 380 × 115 mm; ~8.5 kg (instrument), packaged 900 × 510 × 200 mm, ~11.8 kg |
Summary
| Specification | Value / Description |
|---|
| Voices / Modes | 8 voices polyphonic; 4 “super” voices in binaural mode |
| Timbres / Engines | 2 independent hybrid synth engines |
| Play Modes | 8 modes (Single, Dual, Split, One-Two, Cycle, Random, Chaos, Series) |
| Oscillators | FPGA digital “super-wave” engines; alias-free |
| Filters | Per-voice Dynamic Multi-Core stereo analog VCF (series, parallel, stereo) |
| Modulation | LFOs, 3 envelopes, cross-mod, matrix routing |
| Effects | Delay, reverb, EQ, distortion, chorus |
| Sequencer / Arp | 64-step sequencer, multi-mode arpeggiator |
| Keyboard / Controls | 44-key FATAR with aftertouch |
| Display & UI | Electroluminescent VFD with rotary knobs |
| Connectivity | USB audio/MIDI, DIN MIDI, stereo in/out, CV/Gate |
| Dimensions & Weight | 780 × 380 × 115 mm; ~8.5 kg |
Price: TBA
Link: https://www.udo-audio.com/dmno
Price Watch
Find below images and links to the items we showed for the price watch segment.
| ARP Quadra | https://ebay.us/MmhBVB |
| Tyco Hot Keyz | https://ebay.us/z5G4HO |
| Moog Moogerfooger MF-102 | https://ebay.us/eQtKgU |
| Behringer Kobol Expander | https://ebay.us/cVylDO |
Name That Synth
No name that synth this week – send one in!
If you are after more information about Name that Synth – please check out this page here.
Saturday Sonority
This week’s Saturday Sonority we might talking about …..
